Danbury Ridge
262ac/106ha SSSI (part)
Grid ref: TL 790 065
Updated 31/12/2023.
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Essex Wildlife Trust manages a block of nearly 250 acres of nature reserves on Danbury Ridge, a mosaic of woodland, common and heathland, streams and bogs. Lily of the valley is a special feature, and other unusual wild flowers here include yellow archangel, greater butterfly orchid and sanicle.
Dormice, once common but now much reduced in numbers, are found in many parts of the reserve. The birdlife includes nuthatch, all three species of woodpecker, migrant warblers and, intermittently, nightingale. There are good numbers of butterflies including brimstone, ringlet and small copper.
Visiting
Foot access from the west via Fir Tree Lane, a turning off The Ridge; from the east via Common Lane, Woodham Walter; and from the south via Twitty Fee Lane or Runsell Lane, a turning to the right 600m along Little Baddow Road from Eve's Corner. Roadside parking on Runsell Lane. SatNav: CM3 4NZ.
Regular bus services Chelmsford–Maldon and Chelmsford-S. Woodham. Get off at Eve's Corner.
Accessible at all times.
May for breeding birds and wild flowers; June for ferns and bog plants and for butterflies; autumn for fungi.
Please keep dogs on a lead when crossing Pheasanthouse Farm.
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